§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his Department's policy on the classification of ceramic fibres in respect of the review by the EU Commission's Technical Progress Committee; and if he will make a statement on the opportunities for ministerial representations to the committee. [15391]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordA series of EU technical meetings have examined a number of different possible proposals for the classification of a range of man-made mineral fibres, including ceramic fibres. The meetings have been attended by officials of the Health and Safety Executive who have followed the general policy adopted in these discussions that any proposals should be based on a sound analysis of the scientific evidence.
The purpose of the meetings is to assist the Commission in the preparation of a formal proposal which will then be submitted to a technical progress committee for a vote. When the proposal is made, it will be examined by Ministers, who will then determine the line to be taken by the UK officials who will attend the Committee and vote on behalf of the UK.